Epic Beer Trip Spring 2015: Day 1

We’re taking a trip to DC (Alexandria, VA, really) with stops at various breweries. I’ll do these travel journal-style, then write up real features with professional photos after I get back. Tally ho!

Day One: Friday, March 20

Stopped at Tröegs on the way down. On Thursday, I contacted Tröegs about doing a feature on them; even though it was kinda last minute, Jeff Herb, the media and communications guy, got back to me within an hour or two.

We arrived at 3:30, and Jeff showed us around the brewery, which is a very modern establishment with a ridiculous amount of brewing capacity. More on that later.

I was especially impressed with their new Foeders, a series of three 80 (I think) hectolitre fermenters made from a blend of French and Hungarian oak. An Italian company made them, and John Trogner hand-picked the staves. Apparently, the plan is to start brewing sours in those.

When it was time for Jeff to go home, the guy who was giving the 3:30 tasting tour, Jason, kindly agreed to let us join his group.
We got to try the Cultivator helles bock, the first in their hop cycle series; Perpetual IPA, which is brewed year-round, and Nugget Nectar, a stronger version of their Hopback Amber.

After, we enjoyed some flights in the tasting room, and split a plate of the snack bar’s bangers and mash iteration. That was made with pickled kielbasa, included brussels sprouts, and was freaking delicious.

Two branded mini globe glasses, one bottle of Bourbon Flying Mouflan, and a case of Troegenator cans later (the case was $40.99, yo) we were on our way.

Stay tuned for more episodes in our beer adventure, and in-depth articles after that.

Meagan loves words, and frequently combines them into stories and articles, very often involving tasty libations. She enjoys writing about the intersection of beer (or spirits) and life. This is her blog. You can find her on Twitter @meagwil, or shoot a regular ol' email to meaganwilson@burntgraphite.net.